Who We Are

Introduction & Brief History

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress in June, 1939, to assist the Coast Guard in promoting boating safety. It is composed of members from all walks of life who are drawn together by their love of the water and a willingness to serve other boaters. Its members receive special training so that they may be a functional part of Team Coast Guard.

Auxiliarists assist the Coast Guard in non-law-enforcement programs such as public education, safety patrols, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youth. Auxiliary members volunteer approximately 2-million hours annually to benefit other boaters and their families.

This Unit

This unit is a Division that serves the following geographical area - the Mississippi River from the Camden area of north Minneapolis southward to Lake Pepin; the Minnesota River from its confluence with the Mississippi at Fort Snelling westward to Savage; and the St Croix River from Stillwater to Prescott. In all, this encompasses about 130 miles of navigable water.